So you or someone you love are facing a drug charge in Queensland. It is extremely important to have an experienced criminal lawyer handling a matter like this.
The right criminal lawyer can make a significant difference in your outcome for any offences involving illegal drugs.
Understanding defences, such as the legality of any search are essential parts of the initial review of any drug offence. At Donnelly Law Group, we have successfully defended every type of drug offence. We excel in examining all aspects of the evidence and have an established keen eye for detail over 25 years.
Our ethos is to leave no stone unturned. This has secured our clients the best defence possible and achieved the most favourable outcome.
Whether you are looking at pleading guilty or not, we are committed to outstanding results in court and our impressive track record for our work on drug possession, supply, trafficking and production offences speaks for our dedication to our clients.
Drug offences that our criminal defence lawyers provide legal representation for
We focus our time on what matters most at Donnelly Law Group – expert drug lawyers with 25 years in the industry, ensuring our clients’ rights across Queensland.
We have worked hard on representation over the years to become a leading firm in defending drug offences across Queensland. Whether you are charged with possessing, supplying, trafficking, producing or importation of drugs, we have experience defending your case.
Our criminal lawyers across the Gold Coast and Queensland have built a proven track record by combining personal support with criminal defence. Understanding you is essential to any matter; we personalise our defence, and the way we manage your matters is based on building a complete picture of your circumstances. This relationship also gives us the insight to tailor your personalised defence strategy – one that takes full advantage of your case’s unique evidence and mitigating factors for the best possible result.
Drug possession charges
Possessing dangerous drugs can vary from the most minor possession of a small amount of cannabis through to large commercial quantities of Schedule 1 drugs such as cocaine or methylamphetamine.
Possible defence strategies for drug possession related offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is the substance proven to be a dangerous drug?
- Is there sufficient evidence to prove you were in possession of the drug?
- Was any evidence gathered lawfully?
Drug supply charges
Supplying dangerous drugs refers not only to an act of supplying a drug to another but to any act done in preparation to or furtherance to an act of supplying a drug to another. It can include something such as holding drugs on behalf of friends.
Possible defence strategies for drug supply related offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Does the act alleged come within the meaning of supply?
- Is there sufficient evidence to prove you supplied a dangerous drug?
- Was any evidence gathered lawfully?
Drug distribution charges
This can relate to supplying drugs or trafficking in them.
Possible defence strategies for drug distribution related offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is there sufficient evidence to link you with the charge?
- Was the evidence gathered legally?
Drug trafficking charges
Trafficking relates to being in the business of supplying dangerous drug. Generally, it requires proof that a person actually engaged in a business with a commercial character. This could include regular transactions to many people, evidence of advertising and promoting of the business and aspects of organisation. It could include some of the usual hallmarks of a legal business to bolster the case.
Possible defence strategies for drug trafficking related offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- The evidence fails to meet the standard of being engaged in the business of supplying dangerous drugs.
- Shortening the length of any trafficking period.
- Attempting to break the trafficking up into smaller individual supply offences.
Drug production charges
Producing dangerous drugs includes manufacturing drugs. It also can include preparing drugs for sale which could relate to bagging or placing crystal substance into capsules.
Possible defence strategies for drug production related offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is there sufficient proof that a drug was produced?
- Attempting to negotiate the charge to a lesser offence.
Possession of things used in connection with drug offences
This charge relates to items used in connection with drug offences such as clip seal bags and mobile phones.
Possible defence strategies for possession of things used in connection with drug offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Examining the evidence that connects the things used to the alleged drug offence.
Permitting use of place
Allowing a place that you are the occupier of to be used for the commission of a drug offence. This can include willingly allowing housemates or boarders to consume drugs at your home.
Possible defence strategies for permitting use of place on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Was the occupier aware of the the drug offences?
- Did the occupier actually permit the use alleged?
Possession of suspected property
This relates to property possessed that is reasonably suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence.
Possible defence strategies for possession of suspected property on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is it reasonable to suspect the property was possessed in connection with a drug offence?
Possession of drug paraphernalia
This offence usually relates to possessing utensils or pipes used to consume or administer a drug.
Possible defence strategies for possession of drug paraphernalia on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is there another legitimate reason for possessing the utensil?
Cultivation of prohibited plants
Also known as producing cannabis.
Possible defence strategies for cultivation of prohibited plants on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is there sufficient evidence to link the person with growing the cannabis?
Conspiracy to commit drug offences
Entering into an arrangement or agreement with another in relation to committing a drug offence. This offence may be charged if Police are unable to prove the offence was committed by the person but believe they can prove the existence of the agreement between two or more people.
Possible defence strategies for conspiracy to commit drug offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Challenge the legality of the drug related evidence.
Attempting to commit drug offences
As above for the various sections this relates to doing all acts except the actual commission of the offence.
Possible defence strategies for attempting to commit drug offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- It was not a genuine attempt.
Aiding & abetting drug offences
Assisting or encouraging another to commit drug offences.
Possible defence strategies for aiding & abetting drug offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- The assistance did not extend to any drug offence.
Drug misuse regulation offences
This could include possessing, supplying, trafficking dangerous drugs or of things used in connection with such an offence.
Possible defence strategies for drug misuse regulation offences on the Gold Coast & QLD
- Is there proof beyond reasonable doubt?
Why choose Donnelly Law Group?
Extensive experience handling drug cases across the Gold Coast & Queensland
We have handled every type of drug matter from large scale commercial drug matters down to the smaller less serious offences. Regardless of what you are facing, we have dealt with it before.
Local expertise
Our local expertise and relationships with prosecutors and Police can be leveraged by our team to achieve the best possible outcome in court.
Personalised approach for every criminal charge to help achieve the best outcome for our clients
It is of utmost importance to ensure that any matter we take on receives the personalised approach we have become known for. We take the time to learn about our clients, their background and circumstances to leave no stone unturned in securing the best defence for any drug related charges.
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Our legal strategy for drug offences across the Gold Coast & QLD
We take your story about what happened, review and assess the Police material, develop a strategy to defence your matter in court and carefully execute our court representation.
Initial consultation
Initially, we want to hear your side of the story. What do you recall happening in the circumstances that led to you being charged?
Case assessment
We will carefully analyse the allegations made by Police and assess if there is likely to be evidence to justify the charges.
Developing a defence strategy
We review the evidence provided and carefully develop a strategy to defend the matter in court in light of all available evidence.
Court representation
We provide fearless representation in court and pursue your instructions to the fullest extent possible.
Drug charge FAQs
What should I do if the police want to talk to me about a drug offence?
If the Queensland Police want to speak to you about a drug offence, you only have to give them your name, date of birth and contact details. If they arrest you or serve you with a notice, you may also have to provide identifying particulars such as your fingerprints.
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any further questions from the police, make any statements or participate in a police interview.
Immediately contact Donnelly Law Group at the first opportunity. One of our lawyers or trained support staff will discuss your options and explain how to achieve the best possible outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a drug offence?
Having defended and witnessed thousands of drug possession matters in Queensland, it is apparent that defendants achieve the best outcome when they are represented by a lawyer who specialises in drug possession charges.
Our drug offence lawyers understand the legal defences and mitigating factors the court is looking for when deciding the outcome and sentence in your matter. We are experts at preparing your case and presenting these factors to the magistrate or judge so that you attain the best possible result.
People who do not engage the help of a drug offence lawyer often fail to identify potential defences or present mitigating factors to the court. These people frequently suffer heavier penalties as a consequence.
When should I contact a drug offence lawyer?
If you have been charged or suspect you are under investigation for a drug offence, contact Donnelly Law Group immediately.
It’s crucial that you receive expert legal advice before speaking to the police.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can protect your legal interests, begin working on your case and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Call Donnelly Law Group today and arrange your free initial consultation with one of our expert drug offence lawyers.
Will my drug lawyer represent me in court?
Our team of drug offence lawyers at Donnelly Law Group will research, strategise and prepare your case for you. They will then represent you in court and methodically argue your defence in order to attain the best possible outcome.
What legislation covers drug offences in Queensland?
In Queensland, most drug-related offences are covered by the Drugs Misuse Act 1987. This includes offences such as possession, production, supply, trafficking and more.
However, drug driving offences fall under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995. For offences such as “Driving Under the Influence of a Drug” and “Driving While Drug Present in System”, please see our Drug Driving page.
What are the penalties for drug offences in Queensland?
In Queensland, many factors are considered by the court when sentencing someone for a drug offence.
Minor drug offences such as possession may result in a Section 19 Dismissal or Drug Diversion (neither of which carry a criminal conviction), a fine, a recognisance order or a community service order.
Major drug offences such as manufacturing, supply or trafficking may result in a probation order, intensive corrections order or imprisonment.
If you are found guilty of a drug offence, it may be possible for a drug offence lawyer to argue that no criminal conviction should be recorded. Keeping a clean criminal record helps you avoid complications when applying for jobs, travel visas, child adoption, legal aid and certain types of insurance.
Contact Donnelly Law Group so that we can discuss the charges and circumstances in your matter and explain the likely penalties. Our lawyers always fight for the best possible outcome and may be able to help you avoid having a criminal conviction recorded.
Are there any legal defences to drug charges in Queensland?
Yes, there are legal defences available in drug offence matters. Defences may include mistake of fact, duress, the substance was not a dangerous drug, the accused was not in possession and more.
Donnelly Law Group’s specialist drug offence lawyers will assess the evidence and circumstances in your case when determining whether any legal defences may apply.
How much does it cost to hire a drug offence lawyer from Donnelly Law Group?
A lot of people believe that they cannot afford to hire a drug offence lawyer. But at Donnelly Law Group, we ensure that our legal fees are affordable so that everyone can access high-quality legal representation in Queensland.
We will provide you with a fixed quote after your free initial consultation. A fixed fee ensures that you have total transparency over costs and won’t receive any surprising invoices.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation and receive a fixed quote.
See our page on Legal Fees for more information on payment plans and options.
Can Donnelly Law Group help me for drug offences outside of the Gold Coast?
Donnelly Law Group regularly represents people living all over the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland (including Toowoomba, Noosa, Maroochydore, Cairns, Townsville, Rainbow Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and more.)
We can hold meetings with our regional clients over the phone, via video conference or in person. Our lawyers travel to courts all over Queensland to represent locals in criminal, traffic, drink driving and domestic violence matters and bail applications.
It can be difficult to find high-quality legal representation in regional Queensland. Do not hesitate to contact Donnelly Law Group for the best possible outcome in your matter.
